San Diego Supervisors Expand Review Board Oversight For In-Custody Deaths

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to strengthen the Citizens Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) by expanding its authority to investigate in-custody deaths, including the roles of healthcare providers in the county jails, making San Diego the first in the nation to adopt such oversight. The ordinance requires CLERB to complete investigations within one year, prioritize death cases over all others, and allows reopening closed cases under specific circumstances. This reform responds to multiple high-profile deaths in detention facilities, such as Elisa Serna and Michael Wilson, whose families have received multimillion-dollar settlements due to inadequate medical care. Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe, who authored the ordinance, emphasized the need for transparency and justice for families affected by these deaths, while Supervisor Jim Desmond opposed expanding CLERB's jurisdiction into correctional healthcare, citing existing regulations and medical oversight. Additional measures include hiring full-time medical consultants to evaluate healthcare quality in custody and requiring public reporting of investigation delays. The ordinance aims to close oversight gaps and ensure accountability for all personnel involved in in-custody deaths, including contractors and medical staff.